***Obi, Fayemi Crack Smiles As Political Tension Melts Into Papal Blessings
In what might be the most unexpected “political pilgrimage” photo-op of the year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi shared laughs and light banter inside the sacred halls of the Vatican during the installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday.
The three Nigerian heavyweights, usually seen locked in political sparring matches or separate TV interviews, found common ground in Rome—literally. A viral snapshot posted by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, showed the trio grinning like altar boys caught sharing communion wine.
According to eyewitness (and Instagram captioner-in-chief) Onanuga, Fayemi first spotted Tinubu seated among global leaders and nudged Obi like an old classmate would in church: “Come let’s go greet the oga on top.”
Obi agreed, probably thinking it was better to walk across the aisle in Vatican City than at the National Assembly.
When they reached Tinubu, Fayemi jokingly welcomed him to “our church” and thanked him for honouring the Pope. But Tinubu, never one to miss a comedic cue, fired back:
“I should be the one welcoming you and Peter. I’m the head of the Nigerian delegation.”
Obi, clearly not in the mood for debate (for once), chuckled and responded, “Yes, indeed. We are members of your delegation.”
Observers say the rare moment of laughter could signal a truce—or at least a temporary ceasefire until the next tribunal or X (formerly Twitter) post.
The holy meetup comes months after a heated 2023 election that saw Tinubu emerge President, with Obi fiercely contesting the results. Yet here they were, under the Vatican’s celestial chandeliers, proving that even politicians can crack a smile in the presence of the Pope—or maybe just good lighting and shared jet lag.
Fayemi and Obi, both Papal Knights, may have hoped for spiritual renewal. Instead, they got a front-row seat to the Vatican’s most unexpected comedy duo.